Curry

Synonym(s)

Curry Powder

Variable spice mixture (curry = from the Tamil "khari" = sauce) from a variety of spices (about 10-15 components). Some spices are always present, such as turmeric (gives curry its characteristic yellow colour). Also regularly present are: cumin, coriander, pepper, fenugreek.
Ginger powder, fennel, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, mustard seeds and nutmeg are also irregularly present and vary according to taste.
Curry is used in many ways depending on the culture, especially as a meat (curry sausage!), fish and sauce spice.

Systemic (IgE-mediated) food allergies to curry are not uncommon. As curry is a mixture of spices, which are themselves relevant as allergens, a "curry allergy" should be seen as a "summary allergy" to individual ingredients. However, positive test reactions are more common than clinically relevant sensitization. Cross-reactivity can occur with celery and mugwort in particular.
Individual cases of allergic contact eczema due to (occupational) contact with curry have been described.